Examination of different models following types of yaw moment control strategy for improving handling safety of a car-caravan combination

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of two model responses on the performance of model following types of direct yaw control (DYC). The model responses are the side-slip angle and yaw rate vehicle response of two-degree-of-freedom vehicle motion (bicycle model). The controls aim primarily at stabilizing the handling behaviour of a car-caravan combination as well as making its handling characteristics close to those of a single vehicle. Sensing of the lateral force exerted on a hitch point is essential for the control systems proposed. The estimated side-slip angle using the model observer was compared with the real side-slip angle measured by optical side-slip sensors. The effect of the model response is proved by computer simulations of a closed-loop driver-vehicle system subjected to evasive lane change with braking. It is found that the influence of the model response has a significant effect on the control performance.